permit

allow me and permit me

Please let me help you. (*Typically said by someone politely assisting another person, as by opening a door or providing some personal service. In Allow me, the stress is usually on me. In Permit me, the stress is usually on -mit.) Tom and Jane approached the door. "Allow me," said Tom, grabbing the doorknob. "Permit me," said Fred, pulling out a gold-plated lighter and lighting Jane's cigarette.

See also: allow

Could I join you? and (Do you) care if I join you?; (Do you) mind if I join you?

Will you permit me to sit with you? (An inquiry seeking permission to sit at someone's table or join someone else in some activity. Also used with can or may in place of could.) Tom came into the cafe and saw Fred and Sally sitting in a booth by the window. Coming up to them, Tom said, "Could I join you?"

See also: could, join

drain something off something and drain something off to cause or permit something

to flow from the surface or contents of something. Drain some of the broth off the chicken. Drain off the fat at the bottom of the pan.

See also: drain

permit someone into something and permit someone in

to allow someone to enter something or some place. They would not permit me in the dining room since I had no tie. They would not permit in that bunch of rowdy brats or any other of her friends.

permit someone out (of something)

to allow someone to go out of something or some place. His mother won't permit him out of his room all weekend. I didn't do anything, but she won't permit me out!

See also: out

permit someone through (something)

to allow someone to pass through something. Would you permit me through the door? I have to get into this building. Janet said she was in a hurry, but they wouldn't permit her through.

See also: through

permit someone up (something)

to allow someone to come up something. She would not permit me up the ladder. I wanted to climb the ladder to be with Walter, but he wouldn't permit me up.

See also: up

permit someone up to something

to allow someone to come up to something or some place. The teacher would not permit the smallest children up to the edge. They would not permit us up to the gate before our turn came.

See also: up

weather permitting

Fig. if the weather allows it. Weather permitting, we will be there on time. The plane lands at midnight, weather permitting.

See also: weather

will not hear of something and won't hear of something

will refuse to tolerate or permit something. You mustn't drive home alone. I will not hear of it. My parents won't hear of my staying out that late.

See also: hear